Sometimes life is so busy that many months pass before realizing that you need to complete your real estate continuing education! And perhaps you're starting to notice the chatter about how 2015 is a renewal year and all of the con ed is required to renew your license with the State of Michigan this coming October. But how many hours do you need? Well, you need a total of 18 clock hours of con ed during each 3-year cycle, and the courses you take must involve subjects that are relevant to the management, operation, and practice of real estate or any other subject that contributes to professional competence. But also remember that in each “calendar” year of each 3-year cycle, salespersons and brokers much also complete at least 2 hours of the required 18 hours, and those 2 hours must involve law, rules, and court cases regarding real estate.

But what about those folks who are newly licensed in the second or third year of the 3-year cycle? Do they still need all 18 hours to renew? If not, how many do they need? The good news is that the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs spells out the answer. In sum, a real estate broker, associate broker, or salesperson who receives a license issued in the second year of the 3-year license cycle is required to complete 12 hours of continuing education. And, a real estate broker, associate broker, or salesperson who receives a license issued in the third year of the 3-year license cycle is required to complete only 6 hours of continuing education. The requirements as far as content remain the same regardless of the licensing year.

Even if you did not take any continuing education courses in the first or second years of the current M Cycle (2013 and 2014), still be sure to complete all required 18 hours so you can renew your license with the State of Michigan in October, 2015. And, October will be here before you know it! Do you have your 18 hours of M Cycle continuing education? If not, these two schools make completing your continuing education super simple: 123 ConEd LLC (www.123ConEd.com) and 1 Stop ConEd LLC (www.1StopConEd.com). Both schools are offered by seasoned attorneys and brokers with high quality course content delivered in a format that makes completing your con ed a snap. Don't wait until the last minute!